How do I make a shape transparent over a solid color layer?

[catmeow]

In other words, I have a green patterned background, and I want to add a transparent triangle (which should then be the green background by making it transparent) over a white layer. To sum it up, I want the triangle to be filled in with the green patterned background over the white layer. How do I do this? It's making me mad to say the least haha.

 

[catmeow]

Man, I explained this wrong! Shoot. What I mean is, I want a transparent canvas (background), and a white layer (a white square for example) in the canvas, and on top of that white square, I want a transparent triangle, showing through the white square. How would I do this, guys?

 

[SPWA]

Do you mean something like this? (the chequered pattern is the transparent background)

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I created a layer, then deleted the existing White Background.
Using the shape tool, create a square, and fill with white.
Draw a second shape, in this case the triangle, on top of the square.
With the Path Selection tool (the little black arrow), right click the 2nd shape & choose Make Selection.
Now press delete.

You should have the desired effect.

 

[SCTRWD]

Looks like you need a Knockout feature.

Just go to Blending options for your triangle layer and set Fill Opacity to 0 and Knockout to Shallow or Deep.

 

[catmeow]

Wow! SCTRWD that was extremely helpful. Thanks! The reason why SPWA's didn't work is because I have more than 1 layer under the triangle. Thanks though guys!

 

[catmeow]

The only problem I have now, is that there's a thin border around the triangle now. How do I just get rid of it?

 

[catmeow]

hahaha yeah ignore my last reply. the triangle was selected... so stupid. Thanks again guys!